Old Russian iconsTo the Orthodox Christian an icon is a constant reminder of God’ s presence in his church, his home and in his life. Icons play a part in Church ritual, they are kissed and touched, they are expected to heal and work miracles. Russian icons are usually painted on wood and these icon panels are blessed with holy water. Sometimes icons have metal covers, oklads made for them, either to protect them from human handling in devotions, to enhance their beauty or as memorials. The oklads often are made of silver or gilded silver.The art of icon painting came from Byzantium to old Russia where life was deeply influenced by the religion. Every day of the year was dedicated to some saint. Every individual and every trade had their patron saints. The form of representing the saints and the religious themes was the icon. Some were considered not to have been created by human hand but to be of supernatural origin. Legends about their miraculous appearance on earth were recorded in chronicles.